On Nov.7, in an unanimous vote, 28 Clark County Board of Supervisors approved a new ordinance regarding hemp-derived cannabinoids. This ordinance, which is now in effect, is multi-faceted and aims to reduce youth usage of mind-alerting products that have been synthesized from legal hemp plants.
Specifically, the county ordinance prohibits the sale or delivery of any hemp-derived cannabinoid product to a person under age 21; prohibits any person under age 21 from using or possessing any amount of a hemp-derived cannabinoid; requires that retailers first verify a person’s age by checking a valid photo ID before selling or providing a hemp-derived cannabinoid product; and prohibits the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids within 750 feet of youth-serving organizations such as, but not limited to child care centers, schools, playgrounds, city or county parks, etc. Failure to comply with the new ordinance may result in a fine of up to $500 per violation.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the United States and removed hemp from the list of federally controlled substances. As a result, it also legalized hemp-derived products. A hemp plant is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less of Delta-9 THC. Although the intention of the 2018 Farm Bill was to stimulate agricultural growth, it inadvertently created a loophole—leading to the development of “Novel THC” products. Some manufacturers began to extract the non-psychoactive chemicals (cannabinoids) from hemp and convert them into mind-altering substances such as Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and others. These substances are federally unregulated, which means that they oftentimes vary in potency, do not disclose the presence of toxic byproducts, and can be sold to the public without proper quality control measures in place.
To view the ordinance in its entirety, individuals may view it at https://www.clarkcountywi. gov/code-of-ordinances- Chapter 26: Offenses and Nuisances.
For more information and resources about hemp-derived cannabionoids, visit the Clark County Health Department website at: https:/ /www.clarkcountywi.gov/copy-of-phhealth- resources.
Read full report at. https://www.centralwinews.com/main/2024/11/26/age-limit-placed-on-hemp-products/?destination=tribune-phonograph
